21:460:103 Planet Earth (3) The earth as a dynamic, evolving planet; its origin and nature considered as the interaction of solid earth, hydrosphere, and atmosphere; physical geology of our planet and the complex problems of environment and natural resources. Not open to students who have taken 21:460:101.

21:460:104 Planet Earth Laboratory (1) Laboratory exercises on the following: the physical properties and identification of earth materials (materials and rocks); the use of maps and aerial photographs in the study of landforms and earth processes. Field trips to field stations in New Jersey and New York. Pre- or corequisite: 21:460:103.

21:460:203 Natural Disasters (3) Science and societal impact of natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, landslides, and storms. The science includes the processes that control the disasters using worldwide examples as illustrations. The societal impact includes direct loss of life and economic life as well as long-term societal and historical adaptations. Also focuses on how people cope with such disasters.

21:460:206 Environmental Geology (3) Geologic controls on environmental problems and methods for mitigation studied in a topical approach, with emphasis on urban-suburban settings. Topics include groundwater pollution and processes, soil pollution, air pollution and weather, slope stability, radiation, earthquake hazards, and coastal processes.

21:460:207 Environmental Geology Laboratory (1) Applied hands-on exercises demonstrate the processes of groundwater movement, slope stability, soil pollution, water chemistry, air pollution and weather, evolution, and earthquakes. One class field trip. Pre- or corequisite: 21:460:206.

21:460:215 Environmental Disasters (3) "Environmental Disasters" focuses not only on "acute" disasters (leaking oil tankers and the like) but also on those that are less obvious, yet significant, in day-to-day life. Throughout the course, we return to two central points to put these disasters in perspective. First, these are only the consequence of the so-called "Industrial Revolution" since the late 18th century. Second, we will address how these could be avoided, as well as the physical, chemical, geological and social/economic/political factors that influence the outcomes. We will learn about modern-day failures and success stories, in our backyard here in NJ and around the world.

21:460:220 Forensic Geoscience (3)

Designed for science and nonscience undergraduate majors; will introduce the student to how geologic materials and techniques are used in criminal investigations and civil disputes. Each lecture will include an introduction and overview of the science underlying the geologic material or technique and a discussion of how those techniques are applied in an adversarial legal proceeding. Details from actual criminal and civil cases will be used as examples to illustrate how geology played a role in the resolution of the issue. Topics include crimes involving mineral deposits, drug manufacture and distribution, terrorism, and environmental pollution. Geological tools and techniques used in crime scene and site investigation are reviewed, and the course also provides an overview of how to work with legal staff in presenting and interpreting investigatory findings.

21:460:225 Introduction to Oceanography (3) The interdisciplinary study of geological, physical, chemical, and biological processes that in concert are responsible for the characteristics of the world ocean. During the semester we will dive into the scientific underpinnings of ocean phenomena including the birth of the oceans, expanding and contracting ocean basins, the properties of seawater, ocean-atmosphere interactions, the ocean's roles in weather and climate, waves, tides, shoreline processes, beach morphology, marine life and productivity, fisheries, various marine environments, marine pollution, and marine mammals.

21:460:230 Weather and Climate (3) Examination of the physical processes that determine weather and climate and their impact on man. The subjects covered include solar radiation, the seasons, humidity, clouds, precipitation, general circulation, weather and climate models, thunderstorms and hurricanes, tornadoes, air pollution, global climates, paleoclimates, climate change, weather forecasting, and urban climates.

21:460:240 Planetary Exploration and Astrobiology (3) This course will explore the history and motivation of planetary explorations. It will discuss fundamental questions: Are we alone in the universe? and Where and how did the life begin? These questions still remain unanswered by the modern-day science. The course will explore the space mission science development through the time, possible origins of life, its distribution in our solar system, and beyond.

21:460:311 Geologic Field Methods (3) Geologic field methods, the collection and recording of data in the field in a variety of geologic terrains; preparation of a geologic map and technical reports based on individual fieldwork. Prerequisites: 21:460:103,104 or permission of instructor.

21:460:314 Stratigraphy (4) Principles of stratigraphy and sedimentation, with emphasis on interpretation of the stratigraphic records examined on all-day field trips through the Newark basin, Coastal Plains, Hudson Highlands, and Appalachian Foldbelt. Description, identification, and classification of sedimentary rocks. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 21:460:311.

21:460:320 Structural Geology (4) Stress/strain and deformation of the earth and resultant structures; field and laboratory work in structural analysis and projections (stereographic, map, cross-section); basic mechanics and material science; and structures of mountain belts, rifts, and other tectonic settings. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 21:460:311 or permission of instructor.

21:460:323 Rocks and Minerals (4) Introductory study of mineral and rocks; their description, classification, and origin as chemical systems in the earth. Visual and optical study of the properties and textural relations and analytical methods to determine their composition. Prerequisites: 21:460:103,104. Pre-or corequisite: 21:460:311.

21:460:325 Introduction to Geographic Information System (GIS) (3) The principal focus of this course is to give an introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) along with extensive hands-on experience with the GIS software ESRI ArcGIS 9.x. Topics include: data formats and sources; map design and visualization techniques; map projection; metadata; basic spatial analysis techniques; and web-GIS applications. In weekly lab sessions, students will also learn how to work with ArcMap to visualize geographic data, create maps, geocoding, query a GIS database, and perform spatial analysis using common analysis tools. During final weeks of the semester, students will apply their acquired techniques to solve geographic problems using a systematic approach to specific projects. Applications of GIS locally and globally will also be discussed through case studies. Prerequisite: Students should know how to use Windows-based software for basic file management and browsing.

21:460:331 Oceanography (3) The interdisciplinary study of geological, physical, chemical, and biological processes that in concert are responsible for the characteristics of the world ocean. Differences between this course and Introductory Oceanography include an emphasis on critical discussions and rigorous take-home computer-based quantitative problem sets. During the semester we will dive into the scientific underpinnings of ocean phenomena including the birth of the oceans, expanding and contracting ocean basins, the properties of seawater, ocean-atmosphere interactions, waves and tides, the ocean's roles in weather and climate, and marine biogeochemistry. Prerequisites: One year of science in either biology, chemistry, environmental science, or physics.

21:460:375 Quantitative Methods in the Geosciences (4) Introduction to basic quantitative and computing methods used to understand geosciences datasets. Concepts covered include: (1) plotting and visualizing geosciences data; (2) basic data analysis using Excel and Matlab; (3) linear regression and fitting models to geosciences datasets; (4) krigging methods; and (5) time-series analysis. Prerequisites: Calculus I and II.

21:460:400 Introduction to Soil Science (4) This course explores the fundamental principles of soil science and soils as a natural resource. Students will be introduced to the physics, chemistry, microbiology, morphology, fertility, and management of soils, and to the process driving soil formation. The major soil types of the world and their classification will be discussed, and the relation of major soil characteristics to soil productivity, conservation, and sustainability will be addressed. Students will be introduced to the role of soils in food production, carbon sequestration, groundwater quality, and the processing and cycling of nutrients and contaminants. The lab part of the course provides hands-on practical measurements and exercises of the concepts discussed during lecture. Prerequisites: 21:460:103,104 and one year of chemistry; or permission of instructor.

21:460:401 Introduction to Geochemistry (3) The application of principles of chemistry to the study of geologic processes such as weathering, lithification, metamorphism, melting, and crystallization of rocks; distribution of elements; crystal chemistry; phase equilibria; ore mineralization. Lec. 2 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 21:460:103,104; 21:460:206,207; 21:460:323 and one year of chemistry; or permission of instructor.

21:460:406 Applied Geophysics (3) Theory and practical application of geophysical prospecting methods, including reflection and refraction seismology, gravity, magnetics, and electrical methods. Field use of geophysical equipment and survey design. Lec. 2 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 21:460:375 or permission of instructor.

21:460:414 Advanced Readings in Geology (2) Students prepare, present, and participate in critical discussion of selected topics in geology. Open only to majors in their senior year. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

21:460:415,416 Undergraduate Research in Geoscience (BA,BA) An intensive undergraduate research experience involving field, laboratory, and library work; presentation of written report. Hours to be arranged.
Prerequisite: Approval of the chair.

21:460:427 Hydrogeology (3) Geologic factors influencing the occurrence and distribution of surface and groundwater and its effects on humans; principles of hydrology; water-systems analysis and planning; water quality and pollution; exploration and development of water resources; field studies in New Jersey. Lec. 2 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 21:460:375 or permission of instructor.

21:460:428,429 Special Topics in Environmental Science (3,3) Topics will vary.

21:460:485,486 Seminar in Geology (1,1) Inquiry into selected topics in geology; qualified students should consult with their advisers.